A 65-year-old man has committed suicide after holding his relatives hostage because he believed that his wife was “cheating” on him in Mountview, KZN.
According to RUSA, they responded to the scene where a man held a 68-year-old woman, her 38-year-old daughter, and her 18- and 12-year-old grandsons hostage after being called by residents.
On arrival at the scene, it was found that the suspect had shot the 18-year-old grandson with his left hand. RUSA officers then surrounded the house and negotiated the release of the teenager, with which he then complied.
The teen was then taken to a safe location after he was released and treated for his gunshot wound.
According to the suspect, he suspected that his wife was cheating on him and believed that the 38-year-old female hostage had knowledge of the relationship and was in support of it.
“The unemployed truck driver requested that his wife be transported to the scene and allowed to enter the home.”
“His request was denied as law enforcement believed that he intended on shooting her,” said RUSA.
A hostage negotiator from SAPS then tried to de-escalate the situation while members of the SAPS Special Tactics Force (STF) took up tactical positions around the home.
It is reported that at about 18:12, SAPS officials breached the front door, but the man was found dead after he shot himself in the chest.
According to the victims, they heard a gunshot shortly after the man went to the bedroom after speaking with his wife on the phone.
The man was declared dead at 18:19, the three hostages were traumatised, and no further injuries were reported. It was also confirmed that the deceased had no registered firearm.